6 Surprising Life Lessons I Learned in Japan 

AIJ : "I'm afraid of public speaking" AIJ : "I know what you might be thinking, 'but you're a youtuber'" Me : "No.... but you're a teacher...."

Foreign teacher begins his journey in Japan with students who don't like him. He wins them over through the power of.... BEATBOXING Why is this not an anime yet?

Just said out loud, by myself in confinement, "that was a good video". Nice.

"The ultimate failure is not learning from failure." That's such a great quote, ima keep that one in my back pocket.

i cant believe beatboxing was the secret to being a teacher

I'm so proud that he put the é in Pokécunts omg 😭

I was really taken by surprise when you shared that you forgot your speech! It's wonderful that you didn't crawl into a hole and hide for too long after that. You learned from that experience and made a comeback and even won the competition! That truly deserves a standing ovation. This video was very honest and hits close to home-- reminding me of all the lessons I learned when I made the choice to teach in Japan. Take care.

2:50 lesson one: Breaking outside your comfort zone unlocks your potential 6:10 lesson two: building rapport makes teaching [or anything else possibly] a lot easier 8:37 lesson three: et original ideas be your guiding star 10:40 lesson four: the ultimate failure is not learning from failure 15:39 lesson five: aim for the moon, and if you miss... 17:40 lesson six: flip negative situations to your advantage (look for the opportunities)

THANK you to everyone for being part of the Abroad in Japan channel! I honestly can't believe we hit 1M subscribers! Whether you're a newcomer who's stumbled across here, or veteran who's weathered the storm! I hope there's at least one good lesson in here somewhere? (Mine is either lesson 4 or 6). If you have a life lesson or experience that changed your perspective on life, share away below! Keen to hear more! (I'll be reading all the comments on this thread).

The first time I saw a video of you I couldnt listen to you for more then 2min without getting bored, now 4 years later I sit here and 22min just fly by.

5:05 anyone else see that guy sleeping in the back?

Absolutely incredible. My girlfriend and I have loved your channel for years and your achievements are so incredible we can't help but feel full of pride watching you go from showing off your first apartment to the sleek, sophisticated, professional content you put out now. It's odd to feel proud of someone you've never met, but you've really put yourself out there and it's impressive how far you've come!

1. Take risks and experiment with life 2. Don't take yourself too seriously 3. Try to be original and different 4. Learn from your failures 5. Even if you don't reach your goal, enjoy the journey 6. Don't be affected by the negative, try and turn it into something positive

I’ve never smiled so much watching a RU-vidr before, normally they are so cringey and annoying but I love how genuinely funny and sweet you are. Congrats on 1M!

Guess you never stop teaching even after you stopped being an English teacher. Those are really legit life lessons! uplifting definitely. And thanks to that, I am now a subscriber.

As someone who used to suffer from panic attacks regularly, it really bugs me how so many people call being “uncomfortably nervous” a panic attack. You described them well though, I can tell you actually experienced panic attacks and not just “I’m nervous and I don’t like it must be a panic attack” They are horrific and I wouldn’t wish them on anyone, as you say

"I bought these noodles, because somebody told me I was responsible for the American revolutionary war" Lmao!

Only Chris can make a meaningful life lesson video this funny

The way you flip those negative comments are absolutely brilliant! By far, this is the most serious, promising, remarkable and this is my favorite vid of yours! It brings tears to my eyes! ❤️

This guy's humor is sublime. Reminds me of a Guy Ritchie film.

Anxiously waiting for the release of Ryotaro The Movie

#AskAbroad I love you, even though you started the American Revolutionary war

One of the most valueable videos I've seen this year - thanks for being that honest ! Your videos are very much appreciated ! Cheers from Switzerland

Hey man, this video is on point. I've been depressed these past few months and I've decided to change my life for the better like how you changed yours. Watching your videos helped me with my situation and when I am feeling down, your videos genuinely makes me happy. I hope life gives you more blessings and thank you for the smiles that you've given to your viewers.

Chris doesn't upload often, but when he does It is like Christmas!

The Queen would be proud of you

Chris, you are truly an inspiration! It’s so refreshing to see a positive RU-vidr in a generation of self centered egotistical whiners. Thank you for sharing your life, reflections and wonderful wit. I really look forward to your videos.

Dude you described panic attacks so accurately. They are absolutely horrible and can 100% agree that I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I've been going through it myself recently, and you constantly fear when the next when will happen. So good to hear that you overcame the challenges in your way and made it happen man! Keep it up!

5:06 The guy sleeping in the back is great.

Thank you for constantly growing yourself and your skills. Just don't grow your waist size before your giant bike trip. Hahahaha

I found your channel earlier this evening as one suggested by RU-vid - the first one I watched was the haunted inn/ghost Wagyu one. This is about the fifth or so one I've watched up to now and they've all been great. I mean REALLY great! Japan is a country I'd love to visit. Whether I'll ever manage I don't know, but for now I'll be subscribing to your channel and keeping an eye out for new videos from you. Thank you for making this evening go with a smile.

I still come back to this video sometimes for the rare moments of vulnerability and honesty and growth that shine through Chris. Usually I'm here for the fun jokes and informational videos, but this one really inspires me and picks me up. Especially the speech contest story. Thanks Chris :)

broad ive been going through a hard time and your videos have helped me out so thank you and keep up the good work. and you are not fat.

Better then 95% of the selfhelp content.

2:50 Take risks and experiment with life 6:10 Don't take yourself too seriously 8:37 Try to be original and different 10:40 Learn from your failures 15:39 Even if you don't reach your goal, enjoy the journey 17:40 Don't be affected by the negative, try and turn it into something positive

"like a fucking dementor had floated into the room" has got to be my favourite description of a panic attack. 4:00 Love his humour.

I love your content man. You're talented

Dude, congrats. You are an industry leader mate. Keep it up.

You’re honestly amazing and so impressive. Before Covid, I had a Japan teaching job lined up. It’s all stopped now (because they all seem to have put hiring on hold) but eventually I’ll keep trying. I really hope I can make my experience half as rewarding as yours.

The onset of a panic attack (especially if you've never experienced them early on in life, or for the first time) are absolutely terrifying. Especially because you don't know what's happening. The first time I had one I thought I had been poisoned or was going into a seizure or diabetic shock and called 911. Then afterward, the memory of the experience messes with your psychology and constantly threatens to destroy your confidence in certain situations. But I'm glad that you got over it, breaking the mental shackles that can trigger such episodes.

Would you ever consider making a second channel dedicated to teaching Japanese? Me and my friends dream is to visit for a while and we both love your channel. #askabroad

I discovered you 3 months ago and I binge watched all your videos in ....... two days Congrats booooi I want to move to Japan aswell

Anyone who has gone through having panic attacks, understands what that is like and the huge fear you have to work through. It's amazing you got through that to follow your dreams :) very inspiring.

I am very impressed how you managed to win this speech contest. You are so right about not giving up. Kudos to you - and thank you for the inspiration.

Of all the six tips, what impressed me the most was the daily five to six hours of studying, for a solid year, to make your speech in Japanese. That's inspiring.

You going into that contest again after what happened the first time was the craziest yet most inspirational thing I've ever seen. I can't believe you actually did that. I would crawl into a cave and never come out if that happened to me. That is truly the difference between successful people and failures.

I have loved your videos for years, I think you’re just fab, you make me belly laugh with every single video, thank you. And you are gorgeous! Always have confidence - you’re doing a great job. I’m booking my trip to Japan soon & your channel has helped me SO SO much!!

This man never ceases to impress me and he's bloddy hilarious 😂😂

#ThankYouAbroadInJapan First off, CONGRATS ON A MILLION! I've been a proud fan with a passion for Japan (that rhymes) since 2014. Since the start of high school, I've developed with a lifelong passion of some day exploring japan, and becoming a game designer, capable of inspiring players with an interactive story of the ages (Like a new Final Fantasy)! As of today, I am in my first year of college perusing these very dreams, with so much more to learn. I couldn't think of a question for the life of me, so I think this a more fitting response. I just want to say thank you for being such a significant pillar in giving my life such an incredible sense of direction starting at the young age of 14. From what I've seen, RU-vid is a way for creators to share their inspirational videos with a world of people ready to be inspired. And in my opinion, you're paving the way for the rest of the world, as well as myself. I hope I can inspire peoples' lives in my own way, just have you have in your way. For that, I once again say, thank you!

Still the best channel on youtube.

I love you Chris, I come back to this video to re assure myself and keep that inspiration to learn and experience Japanese culture!

日本人の俺でもこのチャンネルは大好きですぜ。クリスの英国風ユーモアが抜群におもしろくてそれが一番の理由だけど、クリス自身ちゃんと悩みを抱えもしてかつそれを乗り越えてきたんだなとこの動画で知れてなおさら好きになりました。 I might be the only Japanese person who consistently watches your videos on this channel but that's because I love it, not because I wanna be different from the mainstream. The biggest reason why I love is your British sense of humor that wouldn't let me stop laughing for generations, but now that I know you have faced challenges and difficulties in your life and overcome them, I like you even more. Great video, Chris.

Natsuke the movie: Heartfelt memoir of one of the wackiest, sweetest Japanese man you’ve ever met and the way he achieved his dreams in his own crazy way. Ryotaro the movie: Explosions and dogs. #AskAbroad I guess?

#AskAbroad if you had to would you rather eat Rape Fruit or Man Bread?

I so appreciate your insights, Chris! The idea to turn hateful comments into something funny is genius. Thank you for the vulnerability in sharing your story and great tips!

Most spiders are cool. I love it when a Huntsman sets up camp in my place. They’re mostly harmless and are way more scared of you than you could ever be of it. But they keep annoying pests away without being annoying themselves. Win!

#AskAbroad Can you do a video spoken entirely in Japanese but with snarky english subtitles?

When in doubt, watch "School of Rock" and all your questions will be answered

AIJ: “you can’t hurt my feelings, I’m a teacher” you’re hilarious man. I love your positivity! It always brightens my day

I love what you do, you've Inspired me to want to move to Japan and teach English myself. Unfortunately due to current world events and my living situation I'm not sure I ever will, but you still gave me that feeling so truely thank you.

Another great video from the greatest geography teacher I know.

#askabroad Do you plan on staying in Japan till your older years? Or do you have other places in mind to live in?

Chris your videos are so good and you're such a nice human being, really love what you do

I’m very grateful to you. I find you very inspiring and even though Covid stopped me from thinking about traveling, I find you and your content to reignite a passion.

It’s 2am and I just finished watching this. Was worth it.

lmao that dude behind you at 5:05

Chris and his friends have created such fantastic content. Thank you!

I've been going through a tough time trying to find work in Japan and I really needed to see this video. Thanks so much Chris.

#askabroad Dear A Broad in Japan, How come there aren't any videos of Natsuki and Ryotaro together? Are they mortal enemies, or would they be just too much awesomeness in one video?

I hope you are OK and safe from the earthquake from last night

Ryotaro's next tactic to assassinate Chris - throwing a bunch of spiders in his room.

One of my favorite videos you've posted. Cheers from NYC.

#AskAbroad Will you ever feature Natsuki and Ryotaro in the same video?

wow... can't believe it's already been 6 years. I subscribed to this channel when I was 15, I'm 21 now :') time flies congrats on 1 million subs! keep up the great work

I waited 3 years to see this video, from almost the beginning I am following Chris, but now It's when I was prepared, and it really inspired me. Thank you Chris!

I've suffered from panic attacks most of my life and that was probably one of the best explanations I've seen - in the way that you filmed it. It's like suddenly you're in a horror film and you know something very awful is about to happen. Except then it doesn't and you realise you're just in your living room on a perfectly normal day and you think "What the fuck was all that about?"

#AskAbroad Do you think you might have oversold the likelihood of our questions being answered? You have 1 mil subs now, that's still going to be a ton of questions asked. Congrats btw!

A new Abroad in Japan video came out, this is a good day

You are such an inspiration man! Ted ex talk, being a teacher for 3 years in japan, escaping UK to follow your dreams. And now you are here making videos in japan doing what you like, so much respect man! I will be 3 aug in japan first for the time, i started watching your videos to learn about japan, but now i am just watching you and your opinoins about things and your road to succes. You are a great guy, wish you lot of luck and happines. Dont mind my bad engelish , i am from Amsterdam

How am I just seeing this now. Great job Chris, proud of you!

You just come across as an all-round nice guy and kind person. I discovered your videos a few days ago ( I’m coming to Japan in March , and researching everything out there incessantly ) and am addicted . It’s the first time I’ve actually had the patience to watch an entire video . I really like that they’re funny without detracting from the information being given. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the good work...cheers from the land down under

#askabroad : What do you actually do now? Does youtube cover your living costs? If yes, do you think it's sustainable? Do you have a long term plan? Stay in Japan forever? Have a family? Progress the career somehow? I have been following you for a long time, and was just wondering whether you are doing ok in your life in general. Hope this question is not too personal :) I recently quit my job to put myself into "you can become anything" position again. I can easily live from savings for some time until I figure something out :) One of the stimulants would be a trip to Japan in October (for the second time)!

4 years late, I came here to say that the 'Man Bread' is actually 'german bread'. The Ger is on the level above it, and they just 'snipped' german in half.

Sharing your experiences is actually helping me with my issues. Cheers, Chris.

A hero without a cape, this guy is my favorite youtuber......i swear he's the only one that keeps me smiling, laughing, and entertained when i watch his videos..thankyou for everything..congrats on the 1 million subs ...you deserve that and more..

You are a funny, relatable and genuinely helpful guy. Ignore the haters. Your videos are great! Keep up the good work

This channel has some of the best contents in RU-vid ever!

Your voice is so soothing 😌 well done for all of your achievements 👏🏻❤️ really inspiring. I am living abroad for the past 14 years and I wish anyone could have this experience as it really changes you and opens your mind ☺️ all the best xx

This man gives me hope in humanity not too much.... but he does

Love your videos mate. Your calm delivery, steely British wit and wisdom is very refreshing. I was once living abroad too and your content resonates with me. Don't ever stop making videos and I'll never stop watching them.

your story of learning a new language and overcoming your fear of public speaking is really inspirational. thank you for sharing!

You have no idea how helpful this video is, Chris. I had no idea that what I've been suffering for the last 5-6 months is "panic attacks", I am going through a huge transition in my life and I didn't really think it's affecting me negatively, I've bought a new house and I'm getting ready to move out of my parents', which should be a huge achievement, esp. in my country where a large percentage of men of my age will probably never own a house. But, now I realized that I'm actually terrified, lol. It makes it a lot easier to know what's wrong with you in order to feel better, I thought that I'm losing my mind and that I'm depressed for reasons I will never know. Thank you, Chris. I feel a hundred times better now because of you.

#AskAbroad not really a question, i just want to let you know that you've inspired me to step out of my comfort zone. that being said, i've got a student visa and i'm moving to Japan in April. hoping to bump into you there. cheers, mate!

#AskAbroad What are your long term plans? Are you planning to live in Japan for the rest of your life? Wife and kids? You know, do the whole life thing.

I am really impressed Chris there are many life lessons here indeed

You have to be one of my favourite RU-vidrs. Been watching your videos for the better part of the past 4 years.

How appropriate is it that I get the KFC ad right in the middle of the chicken speech.

wait, chris is still alive? that's good. i thought he melted after training for that bike thing

Atlanta, GA (US) here. I find your content to be very amusing and have spent many happy pandemic hours learning about Japan through the eyes of a Westerner. Keep it coming!

You talking about actively training your memory is like some sort of revelation to me. I’ve always thought my memory terrible and spend a lot of timing worrying about it, to the point that I sabotage my own active attempts to remember stuff in moments, but just now realised that I haven’t done anything to help myself with it. Thanks Chris! Time to download some apps and get some books.